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Planning a trip is never easy, but for those who use a wheelchair, the complications are even greater. Is the city you’re visiting accessible? If you’re driving, can you easily find parking for your wheelchair-accessible vehicle? How are the hotels/museums/streets? We understand that there are certain things you absolutely need when planning your vacation, and we’ve helped you out with our list of the most wheelchair accessible cities.
1. York City, England
This British city is the perfect mix of historical wonders, natural beauty, and modern amenities, making it a city that should be on anyone’s bucket list. It’s also a great city to visit for a wheelchair-friendly vacation. The city is home to tons of accessible places to stay, from historic converted houses to luxury hotels. You won’t have to miss out on any of the fun either. Top museums across the city have wheelchair-friendly bathrooms, elevators to get to all floors, clear aisles, and access ramps to get in and out. The public transportation in York is wheelchair-friendly as well. The buses are suitable for wheelchairs and the routes are simple and easy to understand, letting you explore more of this great city.
2. Denver, Colorado
The Mile High City is a hidden gem right under your nose. The Colorado city is not only beautiful and friendly but also incredibly wheelchair accessible. Denver offers visitors a unique experience with all the fun outdoors activities Denver is famous for, available for people with disabilities. Whether it’s camping, or hiking, or white water rafting, Denver has accessible options so you don’t have to miss out. The transportation system in Denver is also great for wheelchair users. The Mile High City metro is not only wheelchair accessible, but gives priority to wheelchair users, and runs 23 hours a day, meaning you can explore the city with ease.
3. San Francisco, California
The city built atop hills is a surprising addition to the list, but it’s actually one of the most wheelchair-friendly places to visit. All the best sights and sounds of the city, including attractions like Alcatraz, the Golden Gate Bridge, and the great museums, are wheelchair-friendly and fully accessible. Plus, the metro systems, including the BART and the MUNI are also wheelchair-friendly and the staff are all trained in securing a wheelchair and assisting with any issues that may arise.
4. Berlin, Germany
The German capital city is full of art and culture, and also happens to be one of the top most wheelchair accessible cities. The cultural heritage, including UNESCO world heritage sites, and all the dozens of world-class museums are all accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wide hallways. The public transportation systems and the paths around the city are also easy to manage for wheelchair users, meaning getting around doesn’t have to take hours of advance plans. Check out the accessible hotels all across the city, from the access ramps to the roll in showers, you’ll find the perfect place to unwind.
5. Sydney, Australia
Head Down Under for the vacation you deserve in Sydney, Australia — a city known for its great accessibility. The public transportation, the streets, the hotels, and the museums all go above and beyond to accommodate guests who use wheelchairs. Check out the Royal Botanical Garden, the Sydney Opera House, and all the cuddly, fun, unique wildlife Australia has to offer. You can’t visit Sydney without a visit to the beach, and the famous Bondi Beach is even fully accessible. The beach even offers beach wheelchairs to rent out for the day if you don’t have your own.
6. Washington, DC
The capital city of the United States is also an extremely wheelchair-friendly city with a history of being such. As the nation’s capital, DC was at the center of disability rights movements, including the introduction of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which made discrimination against those with disabilities illegal. Parts of the law also require buildings to include accessible features, including ramps and elevators so those who use wheelchairs are able to use facilities. Washington, DC, naturally, is a leader in accessibility, with accessible accommodations, an easy to use and wheelchair-friendly metro, bus system, and more.